A WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE NEW PRODUCTION OF KES

EntertainmentLocal News

In May and June West Yorkshire Playhouse presents a new production of KES which opens in the Courtyard Theatre and then tours to community venues across Leeds. Adapted from A KESTREL FOR A KNAVE by Yorkshire author Barry Hines, this innovative staging of his 1968 novel comes as the literary world mourns the loss of one of its most humane and authentic working class voices.Artistic Director James Brining said
‘We embarked on staging a new production of Kes as it presents a fantastic opportunity to share afresh this incredible story of hope; a story that is universally revered and also rooted right here in Yorkshire. With the recent news of Barry Hines’ passing this production is all the more poignant as we mark the loss of one of our great northern writers. Generations have been moved by the plight of Billy Casper and the unlikely friendship between boy and bird and it’s down to the enduring power of Hines’ novel that it will continue to do so for generations to come. We’re proud to be putting Kes centre stage at West Yorkshire Playhouse and taking this production out to community venues across Leeds.’
Based on Barnsley-born Hines’ 1968 novel A KESTREL FOR A KNAVE and the iconic 1969 film KES adapted by Hines and director Ken Loach, this innovative staging tells the story of 15-year-old schoolboy Billy Casper through a cast of two – performed by Dan Parr and Jack Lord.
Reuniting the writing-directing team behind THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, KES is adapted by Robert Alan Evans and directed by Amy Leach, whose previous work for the Playhouse includes LITTLE SURE SHOT.
Director Amy Leach said
‘Capturing the brutal poetry of the book, our version of Kes uses just two actors to bring Billy Casper’s story to life in a funny, haunting and theatrically thrilling version of this well-loved tale. It’s exciting to be presenting this fresh adaptation of Barry Hines’ novel to audiences across Leeds.’
KES opens in the Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre from 20 May – 4 June. After its run at the Playhouse it tours to community venues in Armley, Burmantofts, Gipton, Rothwell, Middleton, Seacroft, Chapeltown and Hawksworth Wood.
KES follows community tours of Alan Bennett’s TALKING HEADS and LITTLE SURE SHOT as part of the Playhouse’s ongoing commitment to community engagement. The performances are accompanied by a programme of wrap-around activity and performance pieces by young people from First Floor, the Playhouse’s youth arts space, and by community groups from each area.
Dates: 20 May – 4 June 2016
Times: Tue – Sat 7pm, matinees Thu and Sat 1.30pm
Accessible performances
Captioned performance: Thursday 2 June 7pm
Audio described: Saturday 4 June 1.30pm
British sign language: Friday 3 June 7pm
Tickets: £29.00 – £13.00
Booking: 0113 213 7700 wyp.org.uk

You May Also Like

Yorkshire Reporter May 2016
Yorkshire Reporter April 2016

Author

Must Read

No results found.

Menu